Gravel Driveway Calculator
Work out how much gravel your driveway needs — in cubic yards and tons — with depth guidance for the compacted base and the driving surface, and the formula shown.
Free · density cited from a published source ·
You need · incl. +10% extra
- Cubic feet
- 36.67 ft³
- Cubic meters
- 1.04 m³
- Pounds
- 3,802 lb
- Kilograms
- 1,725 kg
- Area
- 100 ft²
- Exact volume
- 1.23 yd³
- Density
- 1.4 t/yd³
- Bag size
- 0.5 ft³ bag
Order about 10% extra for compaction and spillage, and 15% for a long or sloped driveway where stone migrates and the base settles into soft spots.
A new driveway wants 8–12 in total in layers: a coarse #2 base, a crusher-run middle, and a #57 surface — each compacted in 2–4 in lifts. Re-graveling an existing drive: 2–4 in of fresh surface stone.
The formula & constants
Volume = Length × Width × Depth. Convert to cubic yards (1 yd³ = 27 ft³), then Tons = Cubic yards × Density (driveway gravel ≈ 1.4 tons/yd³). A full driveway is usually two layers — a coarse base and a finer surface.
| Gravel Driveway density (working value) | 1.4 tons/yd³ |
| Typical range | 1.3–1.7 tons/yd³ |
| Cubic-yard conversion | 1 yd³ = 27 ft³ |
| Recommended overage | +10% |
Gravel Driveway subtypes & their densities
| Subtype | Density |
|---|---|
| Crusher run base (#411) | 1.5 tons/yd³ |
| #57 stone (surface/base) | 1.4 tons/yd³ |
| #2 stone (deep base) | 1.35 tons/yd³ |
| Recycled concrete | 1.35 tons/yd³ |
Source: Typical driveway gravel/crushed stone bulk density (~1.3–1.7 tons/yd³), per Omni Calculator. Densities vary with moisture and compaction — the weight figure is an estimate.
How much gravel driveway do you need?
A gravel driveway that lasts is built in layers, not one dump of stone. The bottom is a coarse base (large #2 stone) that bridges soft subgrade and drains; the middle is crusher run (stone plus dust) that compacts into a firm bound layer; the top is an angular surface stone like #57 that locks together and sheds water. A single thin layer of pretty round gravel over dirt will rut and scatter within a season.
Total depth depends on the ground and the traffic. Over firm, well-drained soil a residential drive can work at 8 inches total; over clay or soft ground you want 10–12 inches and a geotextile fabric under the base to stop the stone sinking. Build it up in 2–4 inch lifts and compact each one — depth placed loose and ungraded never carries load. Crown the surface slightly so water runs to the sides.
Driveway gravel is sold and delivered by the ton. Estimate each layer separately if you are building a full section — set the depth to one layer at a time and add the tons — or use the total depth for a quick whole-driveway number. Re-surfacing an existing drive only needs 2–4 inches of fresh stone raked and compacted over the old base.
Frequently asked questions
How much gravel do I need for a driveway?+
Measure the driveway length and width in feet, set the depth (8–12 inches for a new drive, 2–4 for re-surfacing), and read the tons — which is how suppliers quote driveways. A 50 ft × 12 ft driveway at 8 inches needs roughly 15 cubic yards (about 21 tons) before overage.
How deep should gravel be for a driveway?+
A new gravel driveway needs 8–12 inches of stone total, built in layers and compacted in 2–4 inch lifts. Soft or clay ground needs the deeper end plus a fabric underlayer. Re-graveling an existing drive only needs 2–4 inches of fresh surface stone.
How many tons of gravel for a driveway?+
Multiply the area (length × width in feet) by the depth in feet, divide by 27 for cubic yards, then multiply by about 1.4 for tons. The calculator does this live — just enter your driveway dimensions and depth above.
What kind of gravel is best for a driveway?+
Use a layered system: a coarse #2 stone base, a crusher-run (#411) middle that compacts hard, and an angular #57 surface that locks together. Avoid smooth round pea gravel as a driving surface — it shifts and rolls under tires.
How many layers does a gravel driveway need?+
Three is ideal for a new build — base, middle, and surface — each 3–4 inches compacted. On firm ground you can get away with two (crusher-run base plus a #57 surface). Each layer does a different job, which is why a single thick layer performs worse.
How much does a gravel driveway cost?+
Cost is mostly the stone tonnage plus delivery, so the tons figure drives the estimate — enter your local price per ton in the price field above for a material total. Delivery, grading, and any base fabric are extra.
How wide should a gravel driveway be?+
A single-car driveway is typically 10–12 feet wide; a two-car or one with passing room is 16–20 feet. Use your real width in the calculator, and add a little for the shoulders, since gravel spreads at the edges.
How do I stop a gravel driveway from washing away?+
Build it in compacted layers with an angular surface stone, crown it so water runs off to the sides rather than down the middle, and add edging or a base fabric on slopes. The calculator’s overage covers the stone you will lose to migration over time.
Should I order extra gravel for a driveway?+
Yes — about 10% extra for compaction and spillage, and 15% for a long or sloped driveway where stone migrates and the base settles into soft spots.
Is this gravel driveway calculator free?+
Yes — free, no sign-up, and it runs entirely in your browser, so nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.